Pakistan Padel Federation Faces Legitimacy Crisis as PSB Sides with Karachi Grand Slam Hosts

Pakistan’s first-ever international padel tournament, the McDonald’s Karachi Grand Slam, has prompted a major governance shake-up in the sport’s national structure. The Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) has ruled that the Pakistan Padel Federation (PPF) is not a recognized body, and has accused its representative, Mudassir Razzaq Arain, of “illegal interference” in the Asia Pacific Padel Tour (APPT) event.

In a formal letter issued to Mr. Arain, the PSB stated that the so-called federation “has no affiliation or recognition” and “no authority to use the name Pakistan.” The letter alleges violations of the PSB constitution, including unauthorized correspondence with international stakeholders and attempts to block the Karachi event.

The PSB’s intervention follows reports that the PPF had circulated emails warning players and officials against participating in the APPT, calling it an “unauthorized event” under an alleged directive from the International Padel Federation (FIP) dated October 6. The PSB determined that no such directive carried legitimate weight within Pakistan, since the PPF itself lacks official standing.

According to the PSB’s findings:

• No padel federation is currently affiliated or recognized by the PSB.

• Mr. Arain misrepresented himself as an office bearer of a non-existent federation.

• His actions constituted unauthorized interference and a violation of PSB regulations.

Mr. Arain has been given three days to respond to the PSB’s October 29 letter, or face potential legal action and a possible ban from sporting activities under the Board’s jurisdiction.

Tournament organizers vindicated
The decision vindicates Legends Arena, host of the Karachi Grand Slam, which raised the issue through its chairman and squash legend Jahangir Khan ahead of the four-day international event.

Legends Arena CEO Talal Shah Khan welcomed the PSB’s stance, saying it “cleared the air for players and officials to participate without fear of sanction.” Khan has since forwarded the PSB’s findings to the FIP, noting that the federation has until December 2025 to prove legitimate affiliation with Pakistan’s sports authorities.

The development places the ball firmly in FIP’s court, with growing calls from Pakistan’s sports community for the international governing body to review its recognition criteria and oversee the formation of a properly constituted national federation.